Solskjaer takes responsibilty after Man United's sloppy defeat to Leipzig

Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken responsibility for his side’s 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig that has cost them their place in the Champions League knock-out stages.

United were overwhelmed by the home side in the opening period of the game and found themselves 2-0 down before the clock had reached 15 minutes. United looked better in the second but as they were pushing for a first goal, a major defensive blunder involving central defender Harry Maguire and goalkeeper David de Gea allowed Leipzig substitute Justin Kluivert to treble the hosts’ lead in the 69th minute.

United were eventually able to claw two goals back in quick succession through Bruno Fernandes (8o’) and a Paul Pogba-assisted own goal by Ibrahima Konaté (82’), but could not find the third goal to equalise the game and secure their place in the knockout stages.

While the Red Devils second half showing was commendable as they came close to securing a dramatic comeback, Solskjaer lamented his side’s overall performance and said the responsibility rests fully on him.

Solskjaer: “We didn’t start until 2-0”

“We didn’t perform as a team well enough and that’s always the manager’s responsibility – to get everyone ready,” said the Norwegian boss.

“We knew that they would come at us and put crosses in the box and unfortunately we conceded two goals and we never got going. Today we didn’t start until 2-0 and that’s something we need to address.”

United will now have to address those issues in the Europa League after the loss sees them finish third in their group behind PSG and Leipzig, who will both go through to the Champions League last 16.